Jess Spiro

Housed on the idyllic De Meye wine farm, The Table is easily one of the most unassuming spots to head out to for lunch. Yet, this farm-to-table restaurant, run by Leigh Williamson and Brendan Thorncroft, delivers every single time.

Food
Where most restaurants are capitalising on the farm-to-table movement by using the odd organic vegetable and secondary cut of meat, these guys are the very embodiment of it. Their veggies and herbs come from their own abundant garden, while every other ingredient comes from a nearby neighbour, such as meat from Ryan Boon or supplementary veggies from Boschendal. It’s because of this reliance on the season and the gardens that Jess’s menu changes weekly. You never really know what you’re going to get, which is part of the appeal, but for those who like a heads up, her dishes could include twice-baked cheese souffles with a perfectly-dressed garden salad or a tomato tart with Jess’s famous homemade pastry. For mains, look forward to something meaty and slow-cooked, like lamb shoulder or beef shin, with a potato bake or something equally deliciously carby alongside it. Not that anyone needs convincing, but Jess’s world class skills become most apparent when it’s time for dessert – which could be a just jiggly-enough panna cotta or a plum and frangipane tart. Everything comes sharing-style, except for desserts, which is probably a good thing as those could cause irreparable friendship rifts.

Drinks
As you’re on the De Meye farm, their wines are the only ones available and are perfectly quaffable – particularly the Trutina, a red blend. On the bubbly side, there are a select choice of local MCCs, as well as a number of local craft beers. For designated drivers, there’s a choice of cordials – either lemon or sweet geranium and rose.

Service
Nothing about The Table is stuffy or uptight, and the service echoes this – the front of house team is equal parts professional and efficient and laid-back. Lunch is expedited by Luke, who serves each course and meticulously explains where each and every component on the plate comes from, as part of their commitment to provenance.

Ambience
When you’re seated outside, under the expansive trees, there’s arguably no better place to spend a lazy lunch than at The Table. Whether you’re after a romantic day for two, somewhere to let the kids (and dogs) run wild or have a celebration of any kind, this is the place to be. After lunch in summer you’re encouraged to spread out on the provided blankets and bask in the afternoon sun. During winter, you can look forward to a cosy spot next to the fireplace. Either way, you’ll arrive as a customer, but leave feeling like family.

Best for…
Lazy winelands lunches with the whole family.

(2018)

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